Mark Fidrych Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
MARK FIDRYCH
Born: August 14, 1954 in Worcester, Massachusetts
Died: April 13, 2009 in Northborough, Massachusetts
Mark Fidrych
This article was written by Rich Puerzer and is presented in part, courtesy of the Society for American Baseball Research
Although he pitched in only 58 major-league games in his tragically brief career, Mark Fidrych made an enduring impression on the history and culture of professional baseball. Fidrych had one stellar season, in 1976. That season, he first made an impression on baseball fans with his pitching prowess when he came out of nowhere to become one of the best pitchers in baseball. But, it was Fidrych’s antics on the mound, his genuine exuberance in playing the game, and his “just folks” persona that made a permanent impact on the American public and brought Fidrych his lasting fame, making him one of the most inspirational players in the history of the game.
Mark Steven Fidrych was born August 14, 1954, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Paul and Virginia Fidrych. He grew up in the town of Northboro, Massachusetts, where his father was a public schoolteacher. Fidrych went to Algonquin High School in Northboro, where he played baseball as well as basketball and football. Because Mark was held back two years while in elementary school, in his senior year he attended a private school, Worcester Academy, due to the fact that age restrictions would have prevented him from playing sports in public school. While he was not a star pitcher in high school and was not offered any collegiate athletic scholarships, Mark caught the attention of both the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers on the strength of his hard fastball. On the recommendation of Joe Cusick, the New England scout for the Detroit Tigers, Fidrych was selected in the tenth round of the 1974 draft.
Fidrych began his professional career in 1974, pitching as a reliever in the Appalachian League for the Bristol Tigers. He was tall, at 6-foot-3, and lanky, weighing only 175 pounds, and had a mop-top of curly blond hair. It was while at Bristol that Fidrych was given his nickname, “Bird,” by coach Jeff Hogan.i Hogan thought Fidrych looked like Big Bird from the television show Sesame Street, and the name stuck.
This article was written by Rich Puerzer and is presented in part, courtesy of the Society for American Baseball Research
Although he pitched in only 58 major-league games in his tragically brief career, Mark Fidrych made an enduring impression on the history and culture of professional baseball. Fidrych had one stellar season, in 1976. That season, he first made an impression on baseball fans with his pitching prowess when he came out of nowhere to become one of the best pitchers in baseball. But, it was Fidrych’s antics on the mound, his genuine exuberance in playing the game, and his “just folks” persona that made a permanent impact on the American public and brought Fidrych his lasting fame, making him one of the most inspirational players in the history of the game.
Mark Steven Fidrych was born August 14, 1954, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Paul and Virginia Fidrych. He grew up in the town of Northboro, Massachusetts, where his father was a public schoolteacher. Fidrych went to Algonquin High School in Northboro, where he played baseball as well as basketball and football. Because Mark was held back two years while in elementary school, in his senior year he attended a private school, Worcester Academy, due to the fact that age restrictions would have prevented him from playing sports in public school. While he was not a star pitcher in high school and was not offered any collegiate athletic scholarships, Mark caught the attention of both the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers on the strength of his hard fastball. On the recommendation of Joe Cusick, the New England scout for the Detroit Tigers, Fidrych was selected in the tenth round of the 1974 draft.
Fidrych began his professional career in 1974, pitching as a reliever in the Appalachian League for the Bristol Tigers. He was tall, at 6-foot-3, and lanky, weighing only 175 pounds, and had a mop-top of curly blond hair. It was while at Bristol that Fidrych was given his nickname, “Bird,” by coach Jeff Hogan.i Hogan thought Fidrych looked like Big Bird from the television show Sesame Street, and the name stuck.
1976-1976-MLB-All-Star-Game (in person), 2009-Dear-Mr.-Fidrych (Performer), 2000-ESPN-SportsCentury (in person), 1985-The-Slugger's-Wife (Performer), 2004-ESPN-25:-Who's-#1 (in person), 2009-Prime-9 (Other)
Style
-
MARK "THE BIRD" FIDRYCH - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 37986Photograph of major league pitcher Mark Fidrych in Detroit Tigers garb, signed "Mark Fidrych". Fidrych, known for his exceptional talent and unique style, gained fame in 1976 with a 19-9 record and an All-Star Game appearance.Sale Price $105.00
$120.00
-
MARK "THE BIRD" FIDRYCH - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 85617Photograph of Mark Fidrych, signed "Mark Fidrych" in blue ink. Fidrych, a notable Detroit Tiger, is depicted holding his glove. He was recognized for his exceptional talent and enthusiastic approach to the game during his 1976 rookie season.Price: $90.00
-
MARK "THE BIRD" FIDRYCH - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 112777Photograph of Mark Fidrych pitching, signed "Mark Fidrych". Noted for his exceptional talent and engaging personality, Fidrych was a prominent player in 1976, achieving 19 wins for the Tigers. Defects from the original negative appear in the background.Price: $120.00
-
BOBBY BONDS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117537Baseball signed by 18 baseball greats, including Bobby Bonds, Graig Nettles, Tug McGraw, and Paul Blair. This Official American League Baseball features signatures from legendary players, including Joe Rudi and George Foster.Price: $600.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117562Baseball signed by 22 baseball greats, including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Bert Campaneris, and Bo Belinsky. Signatures in black ink include Manny Sanguillen, George Foster, and Doug Decines. Official American League baseball with Bobby Brown's presidency.Price: $800.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117565Baseball signed by 21 baseball greats, including "Kent Tekulve, Bert Campaneris, Dave Kingman, Bill Campbell, Vida Blue, Dick Williams, Bill Madlock, Cecil Cooper, Steve Garvey, Tug McGraw, Mark Fidrych, Sparky Lyle, Paul Blair, Al Oliver, Earl Weaver, Mike Marshall, Graig Nettles, and Don Money", along with signatures in black ink by "Manny Sanguillen, George Foster and Doug Decines." Official American League baseball.Sale Price $675.00
$800.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117561Baseball signed by 26 baseball legends including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Bill Madlock, and Paul Blair. Featuring signatures in black ink from players such as Bobby Bonds and George Foster. Official American League baseball by Bobby Brown.Price: $700.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117556Baseball signed by 25 players, including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Cecil Cooper, and Paul Blair. This official American League baseball includes signatures in black ink from notable players and is associated with Bobby Brown, President.Sale Price $675.00
$800.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117550Baseball signed by 24 legendary players including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Bert Campaneris, and Paul Blair. Signatures in black ink from notable players and officials, including Doug Decines and Manny Sanguillen, on an official American League baseball.Price: $600.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117563Baseball signed by 22 legends, including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Bert Campaneris, and Paul Blair. Signatures include "Bobby Bonds, Manny Sanguillen, George Foster, and Doug Decines" in black ink. Official American League baseball by Bobby Brown.Price: $600.00
-
KENT "TEKE" TEKULVE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED BASEBALL WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 117548Baseball signed by 16 players, including Kent Tekulve, Rollie Fingers, Bert Campaneris, and Bo Belinksy, with all signatures in black ink. This official American League baseball features prominent figures from baseball history.Price: $700.00

